Kenya’s Blue Economy has the potential to generate up to Sh500 billion annually, about 3.3 per cent of GDP in 2023, enough to significantly transform the national economy.
Yet in 2023, it contributed just 0.6 per cent of GDP, well below its potential, yet nearly 10 million Kenyans, one-fifth of the population, depend directly on it for their livelihoods.
Despite this potential, the sector’s vast potential has remained largely untapped, especially for fisherfolk and others along the value chain who remain among the most marginalised.
Seizing this opportunity, the Kenya Kwanza administration has made Blue Economy a core pillar of its inclusive growth agenda.
Through targeted strategies focused on empowerment, food security and regional development, the government is harnessing aquatic and maritime resources to create jobs, fight poverty and uplift livelihoods, particularly in hitherto underserved coastal and lakeside communities, especially those at the bottom of the economic pyramid
However, structural, environmental, and security challenges compounded by chronic underinvestment, poor infrastructure, fragmented coordination, and outdated laws have long stalled progress.
Environmental degradation, overfishing, pollution and climate change have continued to erode marine ecosystems, while insecurity, piracy, and smuggling have deterred investment.
A resultant consequence has been the steady decline in fish productivity, especially in Lake Victoria, once a thriving fish capture hub now constrained due to overexploitation, pollution, habitat loss, and underinvestment in human capital and infrastructure.
To address these issues, the government has successfully launched comprehensive, evidence-based interventions, including expanding cage aquaculture, improving infrastructure and equipping artisanal fisherfolk with modern fishing gear to boost freshwater fish production.
Marine fish production has also been enhanced by procuring six prawn trawlers, four tuna long liners and two deep-sea crab boats.
Additionally, 875 deep-sea and 123 standard fishing boats have been distributed by the government to coastal and lakeside communities to expand capacity.
Post-harvest losses have long hindered growth. A 2017 KMFRI report estimated losses at 35 per cent, among the highest for food commodities. To mitigate these losses and improve livelihoods of the fisherfolk, the government has developed and operationalised eight modern fish landing sites in Sori, Luanda K’Otieno, Mulukhoba, Vanga, Gazi, Kibuyuni, Kichwa Cha Kati and Ngomeni.
Architectural designs for more sites have been completed for Kisumu, Busia, Siaya and Homa Bay, with five others under construction in Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu.
These investments are improving fish handling, hygiene and storage, reducing losses and enhancing product quality and value.
The sites also spurred local economic activity, creating transport, processing, cold storage and trade jobs. Small-scale fishers now enjoy better market access, income security and resilience.
The government has also prioritised Institutional and governance reforms. Over 100 Beach Management Units have been converted into cooperatives, enhancing resource management, collective bargaining and formal market engagement.
Landing site formalisation has strengthened governance through better data, catch monitoring and regulatory enforcement. Structured landings also enhanced traceability, improving access to regional and international markets.
To promote financial empowerment, the government disbursed Sh1.2 billion in grants to 1,260 Common Interest Groups, catalysing cooperative economic activity and promoting financial inclusion in coastal areas.
Four modern fish markets have also been completed in Tharaka Nithi, Kakamega, Meru and Nyeri, with 10 more underway in Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Kiambu, Kajiado, Machakos, Kakamega and Kisii.
Three coastal markets in Malindi, Likoni and Kibuyuni (featuring seaweed and drying sheds) are also under development. These facilities will enhance market access, reduce spoilage, and boost fisherfolk and trader incomes.
Sector regulatory reforms are also supporting sustainable investment. Finalisation of the Kenya Fisheries Policy 2023, enactment of seven new regulations and establishment of the Fish Levy Trust Fund Order have further strengthened legal frameworks for quality, traceability and sustainability.
These measures are increasing investor confidence and aligning Kenyan fish products with international standards. They are projected to expand exports and foreign exchange earnings.
Complementary frameworks like the Lake Victoria Spatial Plan and the ongoing National Marine Spatial Plan will also support long-term sector planning and ecosystem management.
The Blue Economy sector interventions by the government have also strongly emphasised human capital development. Between 2022 and 2025, 6,585 youth were trained in maritime courses, raising the national total to 10,428.
Consequently, Kenyan placements in foreign-flagged vessels have risen by 57%, increasing employment, remittances and maritime competitiveness.
These gains are supported by the National Maritime Security Strategy and the ongoing construction of a Survival Training and Certification Centre to boost safety and professional standards.
The government is also investing in centres of excellence to position Kenya as a regional leader in aquaculture and marine resource management.
The National Mariculture Resource and Training Centre in Shimoni and the Kabonyo Fisheries and Aquaculture Training Centre of Excellence in Kisumu are flagship projects, steadily progressing as research, innovation and technical training hubs.
The revitalisation of Kisumu Port on Lake Victoria stands out as a flagship success. The upgraded port is now a hub for regional trade, fisheries and tourism, supporting cross-border commerce with Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.
It has reduced transport costs, eased road congestion and created thousands of jobs in warehousing, logistics, hospitality and fisheries. Alongside the rehabilitated Nakuru-Kisumu railway and the planned Standard Gauge Railway extension, the port is positioning western Kenya as a trade and logistics powerhouse in the EAC.
These achievements mark a transformative shift in Kenya’s development. Under Kenya Kwanza, the Blue Economy has grown from a peripheral concern to a national priority.
Through coordinated investments, policy reforms and community empowerment, the government is revitalising this key sector and laying a sustainable, inclusive foundation for long-term prosperity.
Kenya’s strategic Blue Economy expansion is proving not just a policy success but a model for inclusive, equitable, and resilient transformation.
Owalo is the Deputy Chief of Staff, Performance and Delivery Management in the Executive Office of the President.
